YCLSA statement on the 2017 Class of Matriculants

31 October 2017

The Young Communist League of South Africa (uFasimba) would like to wish the 2017 matriculants all the best in the final examinations.

We commend the ever-important work done by the educators who, despite lack of adequate facilities and resources, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, always selflessly nail their colours to the mask of excellence. If it were not because of you the cog of our education system would have long stopped running.

It is in the context of these and many other realities that the YCLSA has been calling and campaigning for improved working conditions and remuneration packages for all our teachers so that they discharge their responsibilities with vigour and vim and therefore without any stress.

It goes without saying that credit must be given to all matriculants, particualrly those who had to learn under difficult social and economic conditions of poverty, hunger, HIV/AIDS pandemic, and at some point could not make it to school because of floods given the absence of proper road infrastructure.

The YCL will continue to advance its Campaign for Free, Compulsory and Quality Education, simply because we firmly believe that education is a right for all and not a privilege for a selected few from well-to-do families.

As such, we would like to commend the selfless and revolutionary work done by YCLSA structures which, over the years working hand in hand with School Governing Bodies, community organizations, social workers etc, have been organizing extra-classes for learners and providing various forms of support. This also goes to YCLSA members who are educators in their own right and had gone an extra mile to help less privileged and resourceless learners.

We have a long way to go, for until what learners learn in our schools is reflective of their experiences and embodies the values of a just world, we possess no moral authority to speak of a proper education in pursuit of an elightenend and responsible citizenry.

We must stem the tide of capitalist neo-liberalism in the curriculum. &#039;History proper&#039; must be compulsory in schools. The public education must be defended against the scourge of neo-liberal privatization. This is what YCLSA has uncompromisingly nailed its political and programmatic colours to.

We say, in conclusion, 2017 class of matriculants rise above the odds and make your parents, teachers and the country proud. YCLSA is your home and hope, for the future belongs to us the youth. Bravely go for your examinations.